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06/26/2026

Tarpon Feeding. V2
Atlantic Tarpon – The Silver King

Massive Atlantic tarpon gather beneath the docks of Roatán, Honduras, where their explosive feeding displays thrill visitors. Growing to over 8 feet long and weighing more than 280 pounds, these giants are among the Caribbean’s most iconic fish. In the wild they hunt fish, shrimp, crabs, and squid, and can even gulp air at the surface—an adaptation that allows them to thrive in oxygen-poor waters.

06/26/2026

Tarpon feeding. Roatan,

The Atlantic tarpon is often called the “Silver King” because of its huge, mirror-like scales and spectacular acrobatic leaps when hooked. It ranges throughout the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and the western Atlantic, including the waters around Honduras.

An adult tarpon commonly grows to 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m) in length and weighs 60–150 pounds (27–68 kg). Exceptional individuals can exceed 8 feet (2.5 m) and weigh more than 280 pounds (127 kg). Despite their impressive size, they have few natural predators once fully grown, although sharks occasionally prey on them.

Tarpon are carnivores. In the wild they feed mainly on:

* Small fish such as sardines, anchovies, mullet, and herrings.
* Shrimp and prawns.
* Crabs.
* Squid and other small marine invertebrates.

They are opportunistic hunters, often swallowing their prey whole with their large, upward-pointing mouths.

One of the most remarkable features of tarpon is that they can gulp air at the surface. Their swim bladder functions much like a primitive lung, allowing them to survive in warm, oxygen-poor lagoons, mangrove swamps, and estuaries where many other large fish cannot. If you watched closely during your excursion, you may have seen them rise to the surface to take a quick gulp of air.

The feeding sites around Roatán have become popular with visitors because the fish have learned that tour operators and dock workers often toss scraps of fish into the water. The tarpon gather beneath docks and boats, where they launch themselves toward the food with surprising speed and power. Although this behavior is now associated with tourism, it is an extension of their natural instinct to ambush fish near the surface. Honduras

06/26/2026

Distant lightning. Landing in Toronto. Mid-June

06/24/2026

Black Howler Monkeys, Belize

The haunting roar echoing through the forests of Belize belongs to the Black Howler Monkey, one of the loudest land mammals on Earth. Males can be heard up to 5 km away as they use their booming calls to defend territory and communicate with neighboring groups.

Black howler monkeys are found from southern Mexico through Belize, Guatemala, and parts of Central America. In Belize, they are especially well known from the Community Baboon Sanctuary along the Belize River. Despite its name, the sanctuary protects black howler monkeys, which are locally known as “baboons.”

These remarkable primates spend most of their lives in the forest canopy. Their long prehensile tails act like a fifth hand, allowing them to grip branches securely while feeding or moving through the trees. They eat mainly leaves, along with flowers and fruit, and conserve energy by resting for long periods during the day.

Habitat loss and forest fragmentation have reduced populations in parts of their range, making the protection of forest corridors and community conservation projects such as the Community Baboon Sanctuary especially important. Today, the sanctuary stands as a conservation success story, helping both wildlife and local communities thrive together.

Many thanks to A Plus Adventures, Belize for providing an opportunity to observe these fascinating primates in their natural habitat.

Teacher’s Guide: Black Howler Monkeys of Belize

Grade Levels: 4–8

Learning Objectives
Students will:
• Identify adaptations of Black Howler Monkeys.
• Understand how animals communicate.
• Explain the importance of habitat conservation.
• Describe how a prehensile tail helps animals survive.

Before Viewing
Ask students:
1. What sounds do you think animals use to communicate?
2. Can you think of any animals that use their tails like a hand?
3. Why might animals need to communicate over long distances?

While Viewing
Have students watch for:
• The deep vocalizations of the monkeys.
• How the monkeys move through the trees.
• The use of the tail to grip branches.
• Interactions between members of the group.
• The forest habitat where they live.

Discussion Questions
1. Why are the monkeys making loud calls?
2. How does the tail help the monkeys survive?
3. Why do they spend much of the day resting?
4. What foods do black howler monkeys eat?
5. Why is protecting forests important for these animals?

Adaptations to Notice
• Enlarged throat structures that amplify sound.
• Powerful vocalizations used for territorial communication.
• Prehensile tail functioning as a fifth limb.
• Strong hands and feet for climbing.
• Leaf-eating digestive system adapted to a low-energy diet.

Extension Activity
Have students design their own rainforest primate and identify three adaptations that would help it survive in the forest canopy.

Key Vocabulary
• Prehensile
• Canopy
• Habitat
• Territory
• Conservation
• Adaptation
• Communication










06/19/2026

He’s not feeding—he’s performing.

A bull moose wades into a beaver pond in Grand Teton National Park. The splashing isn’t random—it’s a signal. In the quiet of the wetland, sound carries, and he’s hoping a female is listening.

Have you ever noticed how animals use sound to communicate?

For full video see Dave Taylor Wildlife Facebook

06/17/2026

Scenes from the lives of African bush elephants. Notice how important the trunk is! It’s used for feeding, drinking, smelling, communicating, reassuring calves, fighting, dust bathing, and exploring the world around them.

06/11/2026

Available now for purchase. This striking portrait captures the piercing gaze of a Long-Eared Owl framed by fully spread wings. Photographed in natural light, the intricate feather patterns and warm golden eyes stand out against a cool blue background, creating a dramatic contrast of color and textu...

06/09/2026

Available now for purchase. This black-and-white fine art photograph presents a classic portrait of the American Bald Eagle in a moment of calm authority. Perched on a weathered branch and turned slightly away from the viewer, the eagle exudes quiet confidence and timeless strength. The monochrome t...

06/08/2026

Available now for purchase. This dramatic black-and-white fine art photograph captures a powerful European Eagle Owl in mid-flight, frozen in a moment of intense focus and silent motion. The owl emerges from deep blackness, its textured wings spread wide and sculpted by light, creating a striking co...

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